I also have a few openings for Thai Yoga Bodywork on my schedule. Give me a call at 603-231-9443 or email me at pyogini@comcast.net, and come experience the “Lazy Man’s Yoga”, which gives you all the benefits of a complete yoga class without your moving a muscle! Visit our website here to see what Thai Yoga Bodywork is all about: http://yogasanctuary.com/thai-yoga-bodywork.html
Early bird sign up for classes end next Thursday, the 28th of August. If you want the early bird price, sign up soon @ http://www.yogasanctuary.com, and save some money.
On another note, many of us at Yoga Sanctuary have been reading, “The Untethered Soul” by Michael Singer. We are planning an event to discuss the yogic philosophy which is so brilliantly explained in this book. We will offer a series of classes, probably including some asana and meditation. Check out the book here: http://yogainternational.com/article/view/overcome-and-prevent-hip-pain.
Now would be a great time to read it, make notes and be ready when we offer the book group.
Even though millions of students already have a regular yoga practice, there are still many who have never even been to a class. The most common reason for not trying yoga that I hear almost every day is “I can’t do yoga. I’m not flexible.” This always makes me chuckle because it’s using the same reasoning as saying “I can’t go to the gym, I’m not in shape,” Or “I can’t play tennis. I don’t know how.”
So why should you practice yoga? Even if you don’t think of yourself as flexible,you have some measure of flexibility already and you do not want to lose the flexibility you have!
So I’ve whittled yoga’s benefits down to a Top 10 List, but this is only the tip of the iceberg:
1. I’ve already mentioned FLEXIBILITY, but why is this so important? Staying flexible greatly reduces your risk of injury. By stretching and strengthening every muscle group, your yoga practice keeps you moving and healthy instead of sidelined by injuries. A good teacher will have you complete a disclosure form before class, so be sure to list any injuries or concerns you might have so the teacher can alert you to what will be best and most beneficial for your body.
2. STRESS REDUCTION is a key component in a Yoga practice as you learn to focus on the moment rather than concerns about the past or future. You learn to stay centered and become less distracted.
3.GREATER CONCENTRATION is achieved through learning to focus through yogic breathing.
4.MIND/BODY CONNECTION becomes more obvious as you focus on movement and breath and their effects. .
5.STRENGTH AND STAMINA are gained as you hold your body weight against gravity and learn to relax into the postures.
6.MUSCLE BALANCE is created as awareness of flexibility and muscle imbalances not previously noticed increases.
7.BALANCE AND STABILITY improve as balancing poses engage core muscles, improving overall stability. This reduces the threat of falling and incurring injuries.
8.IMPROVED POSTURE comes about as practicing postures opens previously tight, tense areas so the spine and muscles supporting the bones bring greater alignment and ease, resulting in better posture.
9.GREATER BODY AWARENESS is achieved through practice as muscles are stretched and/or relaxed, resulting in increased awareness of your body’s strengths and weaknesses.
10.CROSS TRAINING BENEFITS come from gaining flexibility, strength and balance which are the perfect addition to any fitness regiment. Practicing yoga on a regular basis proves to be extremely beneficial for those involved in other physical activities.
I would like to add an 11th benefit here, which is the reason I practice yoga. I have found that using my body as a laboratory in which to observe my thoughts and reactions during the physical practice helps me in every day life in ways that no other activity ever has. The deeper practices of yoga become realized over time and this is what keeps me coming back to the mat. In future blog posts, we will look at some of these tools for mastering the art of living. Stay tuned!
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